Folding device for a folding table and folding table with said folding device

Abstract

The invention relates to a folding device (3) for a folding table and a folding table with this folding device (3). The tabletop can be folded away from a supporting structure in two opposing directions. It can also be removable from the supporting structure. The folding device (3) has at least one axis of rotation, for example, two bolts (16, 17), one for each folding direction. These bolts (16, 17) interact with a releasable hook (14, 15), one for each folding direction, to secure the tabletop in a horizontal position relative to the supporting structure. The folding table according to the invention can be unlocked from either side of the table by means of an operating lever (7) and folded either around one or the other longitudinal axis of the table. Disassembling and setting up a large number of folding tables results in simplified handling and time savings.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a folding device for a folding table having at least one tabletop and at least one supporting structure, wherein the folding device has at least one locking device for securing the tabletop in a horizontal position relative to the supporting structure. The invention further relates to a folding table having this folding device.

[0002] In particular, this is a table for the catering industry, where folding tables are primarily in demand for outdoor use. Folding tables are also used in dining room furnishings and, of course, in private seating. In any case, these folding tables must be able to be stored in a space-saving manner and be quickly and safely reassembled. Two-part folding tables are also known for this purpose, where the tabletop can be separated from the supporting structure for storage and transport purposes. A corresponding folding table can be seen in publication CH-705 825 by the same applicant.

[0003] Common folding tables with locking lever mechanisms have at least one locking hook on the underside of the tabletop. This hook can be pivoted around an axis located on the tabletop. Rectangular tables for four people, which usually have two vertical supports, usually have two locking hooks that can be connected to a horizontal handlebar. This allows both locking hooks to be operated by pushing or pulling this handlebar. This locking lever mechanism is very simple in principle. But on closer inspection, it proves to be impractical. This is especially true when, as is often the case in the catering industry, a large number of folding tables have to be handled repeatedly.For example, when folding tables outside have to be put away overnight and set up again the next day, which is often the case with folding tables set up on public property. The same applies to halls that have to be made available for different purposes, requiring a different number of tables arranged in different positions or even just one seating arrangement.

[0004] This results in a number of unpleasant disadvantages. The staff handling the folding tables cannot see from above which side of the folding table the handle used to release the locking mechanism is located on. To determine this, one has to bend down under the table top and then stand up again, walk around the folding table and reach under the table top from the opposite side of the table in order to operate the handle running along the middle of the table. Only then can the folding table be folded in the direction intended and carried away. It should be borne in mind that the staff setting up the folding tables do not usually work the same shift as the staff who will later put them away. In addition, it sometimes happens that the folding tables are moved while they are not in use, whether outdoors or in halls.Last but not least, the handle bar can be inadvertently released from the secure locking position by a guest pressing it with a knee or foot, which makes the folding table unstable and, in the worst case, can cause it to fold accidentally.

[0005] On the basis of these findings, the invention sets itself the task of creating a folding device for a folding table which is easy and safe to operate, whereby the folding table equipped therewith can be handled optimally.

[0006] The folding device according to the invention corresponds to the characterizing features of patent claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments of the inventive concept are evident from the dependent patent claims. The folding table equipped with this folding device is disclosed in patent claim 17.

[0007] The folding table according to the invention can, thanks to the folding mechanism according to the invention, be unlocked from any side of the table and also folded as desired, either around one or the other of the table's longitudinal axis. The question of how the folding table is positioned is no longer relevant. This applies not only during dismantling, but also during assembly. This not only saves time when handling a large number of folding tables, but also reduces the time required to carry and position the folding tables. Last but not least, the folding tables do not need to be lifted more than absolutely necessary.

[0008] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the drawing. Fig. 1 shows a view of an embodiment of a folding table; Figs. 2 - 3 show the same folding table, once with the table top folded to the left and once with the table top folded to the right; Fig. 4 shows the lifting and removal of the table top; Figs. 5 - 8 show the mechanically essential part of the folding device in various locking and release positions; Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of the mechanical part of the folding device according to the Fig. 5 - 8 , where the position shown corresponds to that according to Fig. 7 corresponds

[0009] The folding table shown is intended as an example. The shape and design of the tabletop 1 are not subject to the invention. Nor are the supporting structure 2 or the table base. These can be designed in any way. The key element here is the folding mechanism 3.

[0010] The folding device 3 can, as in the present embodiment, be present in duplicate, i.e., in the area of ​​each table end there is a mirror-image folding device 3 and 4 serving as a lock. The two folding devices 3 and 4 of this folding system are connected by a rod 6 which, in the present embodiment, runs in a central tube 5. The central tube 5 has a rectangular cross-section here, but can also have a different shape. The rod 6 is therefore invisible and optimally protected. It does not have to be accessible because it no longer has the operating function of previous handle bars, but serves to mechanically connect the two folding devices 3 and 4 which are opposite one another with regard to the table ends. These can therefore be operated synchronously from either of the two table ends or the narrow sides of the table.

[0011] To operate the at least one folding device 3 and 4, an operating lever 7 is provided at the end of the table, accessible under the table edge. In the present preferred embodiment, an operating lever 7 and 8 is provided on the outside, as shown in Fig. 2 The operation is carried out either by actuating, i.e. rotating, one of the two operating levers 7 or 8. :

[0012] As can be seen from the Fig. 5 bis 8 As can be seen, the folding devices 3 and 4 each have two movable locking elements 9 and 10, each of which is rotatable about a pivot axis 11 and 12. These pivot axes 11 and 12 run parallel to the rotation axis 13 of the operating levers 7 and 8, which also corresponds to the axis of the rod 6 connecting the two folding devices 3 and 4.

[0013] The two pivotable locking elements 9 and 10 each have a hook 14 and 15 at the top. Thus, with respect to the two folding devices 3 and 4, at least one hook 14 or 15 is present for each folding direction.

[0014] This makes the folding system symmetrical, and it doesn't matter which side of the table it is operated from. The tabletop 1 can be inserted, opened, closed, and removed from both sides. In the present design, with two mirror-image folding devices 3 and 4 connected by a rod 6, each with an operating lever 7 and 8, it no longer even matters which end of the table it is operated from.

[0015] In either case, operation is achieved by rotating one of the two control levers 7 or 8. These can be rotated either left or right. There are four different positions for control levers 7 and 8: a) Operating lever 7 or 8 downwards = Both hooks 14 and 15 are closed and the table top 1 is fixed in the horizontal position. See Fig. 5 b) Operating lever 7 or 8 to the left = The left, first hook 14 is open, the table top 1 is free on the left and can be folded to the right. However, it is still firmly fixed in the right, second hook 15 and cannot be removed. See Fig. 6 c) Operating lever 7 or 8 to the right = The right, second hook 15 is open, the table top 1 is free on the right and can be folded to the left. However, it is still firmly fixed in the left, first hook 14 and cannot be removed. See Fig. 7 . d) Operating lever 7 or 8 upwards = Both hooks 14 and 15 are open and the table top 1 can be removed. See Fig. 8 .

[0016] The said hooks 14 and 15 each encompass a bolt 16 and 17, which according to Fig. 1 is arranged on a component 18 and 19 of the folding device 3 and 4 that is to be connected to the table top 1. This means that the table top 1 to be folded away is pivoted either about the first pin 16 or about the second pin 17 and, upon release of this pin 16 or 17, can be lifted upwards and removed from the supporting structure 2. The pins 16 and 17 are also the rotation axes of the respective folding direction of the folding device 3 and 4, or of the table top 1 of the folding table equipped with it.

[0017] The pivotable locking elements 9 and 10, each having the hooks 14 and 15, can be Fig. 5 bis 8 each be operatively connected to a spring 20 and 21. The two hooks 14 and 15 can be opened against the force of these springs 20 and 21, even when the operating lever 7 or 8 is in the locked position. For this purpose, the two hooks 14 and 15 are bevelled at their upper edge towards the tip, so that they are pressed into the open position by the weight of the table top 1 by the bolts 16 and 17 coming from above and then close again by the force of the springs 20 and 21. The table top 1 can thus be put in place when the folding table is being prepared without the operating levers 7 or 8 having to be actuated. These can remain in the locked position required when the folding table is in use. This simplifies setting up the folding tables; no further considerations are required and time is saved.

[0018] The transmission of the rotation of the operating lever 7 or 8 to the pivotable locking elements 9 and 10, each having the hooks 14 and 15, is carried out in the present embodiment according to Fig. 5 via a rotation element 22 which rotates with the operating lever 7 or 8. This has at least one eccentrically arranged drive stop 23 which cooperates with one arm 25 and 26 of the locking elements 9 and 10.

[0019] In the present embodiment, two drive stops 23 and 24 are provided on a substantially disc-shaped rotating element 22. These each rise from the surface of the rotating element 22 and protrude from the body of the rotating element as a widened sector or are attached to the body. See also Fig. 9 , where the rotating element 22 is seen from the perspective. The first drive stop 23 is arranged on one side of the rotating element 22, which here faces the viewer and is in the Fig. 5 - 8 is shown with a solid line. The second drive stop 24 is arranged on the opposite side of the rotary element 22, which is facing away from the viewer and in the Fig. 5 - 8 is shown with a dashed line. The second drive stop 24 is also offset from the first drive stop 23, i.e., arranged with a rotational shift. The first arm 25 of the first locking element 9 is assigned to the first drive stop 23 and projects in front of the first, here front, side of the rotating element 22. The second arm 26 of the second locking element 10 is assigned to the second drive stop 24 and projects in front of the second, here rear, side of the rotating element 22.

[0020] In the rotation position after Fig. 5 the first, approximately sector-shaped drive stop 23 projects upwards to the right, while the second, approximately sector-shaped drive stop 24 projects upwards to the left. Fig. 8 it is downwards left and downwards right, respectively. The first drive stop 23 is assigned to the first arm 25 of the first locking element 9 and pushes it in the rotation position Fig. 5 downwards so that the hook 14 is in the opening position. In the rotation position Fig. 8 the second arm 26 of the second locking element 10 is also pressed downwards by the second drive stop 24, so that the second hook 15 is also in the opening position.

[0021] The Fig. 5 - 9Each folding device 3 and / or 4 shown forms a separate assembly. Therefore, it can also be arranged as a separate, possibly detachable component on a corresponding mounting plate 27 of the supporting structure 2 of the folding table. This option is particularly interesting for the table manufacturer, since a standard supporting structure 2 can be equipped according to the order specifications. The spectrum can range from a non-folding, fixed mounting of the table top 1, through a design that can be folded on only one side, to the equipment with the present folding device 3 and 4 according to the invention, which is designed such that the table top 1 can be folded away alternatively in two opposite folding directions. Retrofitting would also be theoretically conceivable.

[0022] The illustrated embodiment offers an optimal and very easy-to-use solution. However, it is naturally within the scope of the invention according to patent claims 1 and 16 to design the folding device and the folding table, as well as their components 3-27, differently than shown. List of reference symbols:

[0023] 1Tabletop 2Supporting structure 3Folding mechanism 4Folding mechanism (second, mirror-image part) 5Central tube 6Rod 7First operating lever 8Second operating lever 9First locking element 10Second locking element 11First pivot axis 12Second pivot axis 13Rotation axis (of the operating lever) 14First hook 15Second hook 16First bolt 17Second bolt 18First component to be mounted on the table 19Second component to be mounted on the table 20First spring 21Second spring 22Rotation element 23First drive stop 24Second drive stop 25First arm 26Second arm 27Mounting plate

Claims

1. Folding device (3, 4) for a folding table with at least one table top (1) and at least one supporting structure (2), wherein the folding device (3, 4) has at least one locking device to secure the table top (1) relative to the supporting structure (2) in a horizontal position, characterized in that the folding device (3, 4) is designed such that the table top (1) can be folded away alternatively in two opposite folding directions.

2. Folding device (3, 4) according to claim 1, characterized in that the folding device (3, 4) has at least one axis of rotation per folding direction and at least one locking device with which the folding device (3, 4) can be locked in each of the two folding directions.

3. Folding device (3, 4) according to claim 2, characterized in thatthe locking device has at least two movable hooks (14, 15), namely at least one for each folding direction, whereby the table top (1) can be folded away to both sides and opened again.

4. Folding device (3, 4) according to claim 3, characterized in that this is designed so that the table top (1) can be detached from the supporting structure in each of the two opposite folding positions by being released by the at least two movable hooks (14, 15) in the respective folding position.

5. Folding device (3, 4) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by at least one operating lever (7, 8) which is pivotable about a rotation axis and is operatively connected to at least one of the at least two movable hooks (14, 15), which each cooperate with a latch arranged on a component (18, 19) to be connected to the table top (1).

6. Folding device (3, 4) according to claim 5, characterized in thatsaid locking means are designed as bolts (16, 17).

7. Folding device (3, 4) according to claim 6, characterized in that said bolts (16, 17) each serve as a rotation axis for a respective folding direction, whereby a rotation axis is present for each folding direction.

8. Folding device (3, 4) according to one of claims 3 - 7, characterized in that the at least two movable hooks (14, 15) are each arranged on a locking element (9, 10) which is rotatable about a pivot axis (11, 12) for opening or closing the hooks (14, 15).

9. Folding device (3, 4) according to claim 5 and claim 8, characterized in that the two locking elements (9, 10) each have an arm (25, 26) which can be actuated by the at least one pivotable operating lever (7, 8) such that the respective locking element (9, 10) rotates about its pivot axis (11, 12).

10. Folding device (3, 4) according to claim 9, characterized in thatFor transmitting the rotation of the at least one operating lever (7, 8) to at least one arm (25, 26) of one of the two locking elements (9, 10), a rotation element (22) is provided which rotates with each operating lever (7, 8).

11. Folding device (3, 4) according to claim 10, characterized in that said rotation element (22) has at least one eccentrically arranged drive stop (23, 24) which cooperates with one arm (25, 26) of the locking elements (9, 10).

12. Folding device (3, 4) according to claim 11, characterized by two drive stops (23, 24), wherein the second drive stop (24) is offset from the first drive stop (23), i.e. arranged with a rotational shift.

13. Folding device (3, 4) according to claim 12, characterized in that the first drive stop (23) is assigned to the arm (25) of the first locking element (9) and the second drive stop (24) is assigned to the arm (26) of the second locking element (10).

14. Folding device (3, 4) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the first drive stop (23) is arranged on one side of the rotating element (22) and the second drive stop (24) is arranged on the opposite side of the rotating element (22).

15. Folding device (3, 4) according to one of claims 12 - 14, characterized in that the rotation element (22) is substantially disc-shaped and the two drive stops (23, 24) are arranged approximately sector-shaped on its surface.

16. Folding device (3, 4) according to one of claims 8 - 15, characterized in that the at least two movable hooks (14, 15) are each operatively connected to a spring (20, 21), against the force of which the two hooks (14, 15) can be opened, even if the operating lever (7, 8) is in the locking position.

17. Folding table with a folding device (3, 4) according to claim 1, with at least one table top (1) and at least one supporting structure (2), wherein the folding device (3, 4) has at least one locking device to secure the table top (1) relative to the supporting structure (2) in a horizontal position, characterized in that the folding device (3, 4) is designed such that the table top (1) can be folded away alternatively in two opposite folding directions, wherein the folding device (3, 4) has at least one axis of rotation and at least one locking device with which the folding device (3, 4) can be locked in each of the two folding directions.

18. Folding table according to claim 17, characterized in that the folding device (3, 4) consists of two parts, namely a first folding device (3) in the region of a first table end and a second folding device (4) in the region of a second table end.

19. Folding table according to claim 18, characterized in that said two folding devices (3, 4) are operatively connected by a rod (6) which is arranged, for example, in a central tube (5), wherein the folding table can be operated by means of an operating lever (7, 8) optionally from the first or from the second table end.

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